TACTICAL ALERT FORCE

Employment Terms, Conditions & Agreement

Thank you for pursuing employment with this agency.  This document is to ensure that you have a clear understanding of the terms and conditions of such employment, and to create a record of your agreement.

Employees or employment candidates must read this document carefully and in full, place their initials at places indicated, and sign and date this document at the place provided at its end.  It is the responsibility of the employee or candidate to understand and comply with the provisions of this document, and to make inquiries of Tactical Alert Force management for any and all provisions that the employee or candidate does not clearly understand.

Any exception to the provisions of this document may be made only by the State of California-licensed Qualified Manager/Owner of the agency, or a supervisory or management agency staff member designated in writing to make exceptions by the Qualified Manager/Owner.  Exceptions will normally be made only by written authorization delivered to the affected employee, but may be made through verbal authorization to address an immediate need during field operations.  In such cases, the exception will be reaffirmed in writing as soon as possible.

The standards of this agency are likely to be higher than those to which you are accustomed.  We offer an opportunity to develop your professional qualifications, skills and equipment to meet the dramatically changing demand for meaningful protective services.  The capabilities you will gain by meeting these standards may well serve your own loved ones in an emergency as well as advance your career.

1.0 – CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT (Prerequisites & Requirements)

1.1 – Professional Credentials – All personnel employed as officers must possess certain credentials to qualify for employment, and maintain those credentials to remain employed.  Because these credentials may also be used for employment outside of this agency, the time and expenses incurred to obtain and maintain these credentials are the responsibility of the employee.

All required professional credentials must be current, valid and in full effect (not under restriction, suspension or revocation).  The credentials required for employment with this agency are as follow:

– California Driver’s License – Minimum of Class “C”, issued by the State of California, Department of Motor Vehicles

– Guard/Patrolperson Registration – Issued by the State of California, Bureau of Security & Investigative Services

– Exposed Firearm Permit – Issued by the State of California, Bureau of Security & Investigative Services

– Baton Permit – Issued by the State of California, Bureau of Security & Investigative Services and/or State-authorized training facility

– Tear Gas Permit – Issued by the State of California, Bureau of Security & Investigative Services and/or State-authorized training facility

– Emergency Medical Responder Certification – Issued by appropriate local EMS Authority

– First Aid & CPR Certification is an acceptable temporary substitute for the first 6 months of employment or longer, as may be authorized by a supervisor

– Hazardous Materials First Responder (Operations Level) Certification – Issued by the State of California Office of Emergency Services or an authorized POST training facility

– An exemption for the first 6 months of employment is granted to any new employee to provide time to obtain this certification – A Hazardous  Materials First Responder Awareness Level Certification is an acceptable temporary substitute for the first 12 months of employment or longer, as may be authorized by a supervisor

– Light Firefighting/Light Urban Search & Rescue Certificate – Issued by any fire department (Community Emergency Response Training) or equivalent military, workplace or industrial training

– An exemption for the first 12 months of employment is granted to any new employee to provide time to obtain this certification

    – Acceptable in-service training for this requirement is also available to employees from this agency at no cost to the employee

1.2 – Professional Equipment – All personnel employed as officers must possess certain items of duty equipment to qualify for employment, and maintain those items in serviceable condition to remain employed.  Because these items may also be used for employment outside of this agency, the expenses incurred to obtain and maintain the equipment are the responsibility of the employee.

All required items of duty equipment must be of professional type, in good working order and in good condition to present a professional appearance.  The items of duty equipment required for employment with this agency are as follow:

– Weapons – Consisting of a semi-automatic pistol (9mm, 10mm, .357 magnum, .40 cal., .44 special or magnum, or .45 cal.), a sufficient number of spare magazines (as needed to carry at  least 30 rounds of ammunition loaded in magazines, including the magazine in the firearm), baton and 4oz. OC pepper foam or gel type chemical weapon (spray type chemical weapons are discouraged)

– Other Hardware – Consisting of 2 pairs of metal reusable handcuffs and keys, service flashlight, 1 mini flashlight and one Smith & Wesson “First Response” rescue tool or equivalent – An exemption for the first 6 months of employment is granted to any new employee to provide time to obtain a rescue tool, (approximate cost $40.00)

– Duty Gear – Consisting of a minimum of a duty belt, holster, spare magazine carrier(s) (as needed to carry at least 30 rounds of ammunition loaded in magazines, including the magazine in the firearm), baton carrier, chemical weapon carrier, handcuff carrier(s) (for 2 pairs of handcuffs), flashlight carrier carrier and 4 belt keepers – Black nylon type gear is required, but any new employee may use black leather gear for the first 6 months of employment or longer, as may be authorized by a supervisor

    – Duty Footwear – Consisting of black nylon, leather, synthetic (or any combination thereof) boots, at least 8” in height (boot must provide over-the-ankle protection), and black socks at least 10″ tall – Combination nylon/leather tactical-type boots are preferred, and thin socks are recommended in hot temperatures

All required equipment listed above and all other items issued by Tactical Alert Force are subject to inspection by Tactical Alert Force  supervisors while on duty.

1.3 – Personal Transportation – All personnel employed as officers must possess a reliable, properly registered and insured vehicle that is at their disposal for transportation to duty locations.  Proof of these items must be shown to Tactical Alert Force supervisors upon request.  Because duty schedules and locations may vary and unexpected calls for emergency coverage may arise, reliance upon public transportation is not acceptable. Personal vehicles are not required for actual performance of duties.

1.4 – Other Prerequisites – All personnel employed as officers must meet certain standards of aptitude, education, training, communications skills, general ability, experience and conduct to qualify for employment, and maintain those standards to remain employed.  These standards are as follow:

– Aptitude – Demonstrated interest in, talent for and dedication to emergency service-related work, desire to serve effectively in a meaningful protective role,

– Strong work ethic and drive to work for the success of the client as well as for personal success

– Imbued with the concept of dedication to duty

– Personal character built upon strength, honesty, integrity, pride, effort, compassion, bravery and leadership…  and the courage of one’s convictions to uphold what is good and just, and to fight evil and injustice

– Education – High school diploma or equivalent, at least some relevant college credits or vocational certifications

– Training – Significant supplementary vocational training in relevant subjects

– Communications Skills – Capability to understand, read, write and speak English clearly and effectively, at a level of proficiency that is sufficient for:

– Comprehension of duty-related policies, procedures, standards, guidelines and checklists at a level that supports professional duty performance

– Writing duty-related notes, logs, statements and reports, in a professional manner

– Communication with the public, clients, other Tactical Alert Force officers and emergency service personnel under stressful conditions, both in person or by telephone or two-way radio, in a professional manner

– Familiarity with and proper usage of duty-related terminology, phrases and communication practices, including professional 2-way radio protocol

– General Ability – Must have the physical, mental, behavioral and professional ability to perform all duties well, including those specific to particular assignments

– Must be self-controlled and effective in a crisis or emergency

– Experience – Must have a substantial level of verifiable relevant experience, or a significant level backed by exceptional relevant qualifications

– Conduct – Must project and deliver professional demeanor, maturity, skills, good judgement, confidence, capability, calm, reassurance, and courtesy, to the satisfaction of Tactical Alert Force and the client

1.5 – Duty Performance – All personnel employed as officers must meet certain standards of duty performance on an ongoing basis to remain employed. Tactical Alert Force defines duty as work to be performed.  The specific duties may vary by  assignment and over time, but will always have one thing in common; there is no such thing as simply being “on duty”… you will have meaningful tasks to perform.

First and foremost, Tactical Alert Force officers must recognize that they serve in a life/safety role, and act accordingly:

– Fitness For Duty – Our clients rely upon our officers being fully functional, physically and mentally.  Officers reporting for duty must not be significantly impaired by insufficient sleep, over-the-counter or prescription medications, alcohol, illegal drugs, personal problems, illness or anything else.  Likewise, excessive unscheduled absence (more than 6 days a year) due to unfitness for duty, impairment by or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs on duty, or lacking sufficient physical ability, strength or stamina to perform duties reflects unsuitability for employment as a Tactical Alert Force officer and is unacceptable.

– Grooming For Duty – Our clients rely upon our officers to be properly groomed, both for upholding the standards of the place of assignment and for ensuring the full deterrent value of the officer’s appearance as a professional.  It is inappropriate for Tactical Alert Force officers to adhere to “honor guard” standards, but they must maintain appropriate personal appearance for a tactical protective officer;

– Highly polished boots are not necessary, but clean, unscuffed boots are required.

– Starched uniforms are not necessary, but clean and lightly pressed (unwrinkled) uniforms are required.

– Military grooming standards are not necessary, but good personal hygiene is required.  Officers must begin each duty shift with a clean, freshly-showered body, treated with deodorant, clean teeth, mouth, nose and eyes, clean hair with a neat appearance (no excessively long, bizarre or unkempt styles), clean shaven of facial hair (except for neatly-trimmed, short to moderate-length sideburns, mustaches or beards for males), no excessive hair growing from the nose or ears, no excessive or offensive tattoos on visible display and (as a work safety issue) no visible body piercing, no excessive visible jewelry (anything other than a watch and a wedding ring or engagement/wedding ring set), no long facial hair or long hair on head.  Personal hygiene must be maintained during each duty shift, as practical.

Tactical Alert Force supervisors have the authority to rule on what constitutes officer compliance with these standards, and to act upon client comments.

– Equipping For Duty – Our clients rely upon our officers being fully equipped, as specified for each duty assignment, and that all equipment be in good working order. Tactical Alert Force officers must also be in proper attire for each duty assignment, whether it be in uniform or plainclothes, and in possession of appropriate adjuncts, such as:

– Prescription corrective eyewear and sunglasses, as may be needed

– Issued jackets, caps or protective head cover, per weather conditions

– Food and beverages, unless available on duty assignment

– Sun block, lip balm, insect repellent or hand lotion, as may be needed

– Non-impairing, over-the-counter or prescribed personal medications

– Personal hygiene supplies, unless available on duty assignment

– Posting For Duty – Our clients rely upon our officers to be where they are supposed to be, when they are supposed to be there.  Tardiness, failure to report for duty or abandonment of duty without arrangement with the agency for coverage by a replacement officer is unacceptable.

– Tasking On Duty – Our clients rely upon our officers to give their undivided attention to their assigned tasks.  Officers must be vigilant in protecting our clients’ interests, which can not be done if any of their senses are otherwise occupied.  The officer’s senses of sight, hearing, smell and even intuition are essential tools in detecting and addressing possible dangers.  Therefore, personal tasks must be performed only during breaks, and partaking in recreation or entertainment (such as playing games, watching television, listening to audio media or reading material that is not duty-related) while on duty is unacceptable.

– Procedures On Duty – Our clients rely upon our officers to perform their duty assignments as expected; correctly, thoroughly and consistently.  To this end, officers must comply with procedures pertaining to their duty assignment and direction of Tactical Alert Force supervisors. However, procedures cannot be prepared for every eventuality, therefore reasonable deviations from and exceptions to duty assignment procedures may be requested of the officer by the client, and should be complied with by the officer. Officers must direct any questions they may have regarding procedures, deviations or exceptions to a Tactical Alert Force supervisor without delay.

– Fulfillment Of Duty – Above all, our clients rely upon our officers to be there and to be effective when response to danger or an emergency is needed. Tactical Alert Force strives to deter and prevent danger and emergencies whenever reasonably possible, but some such situations are unavoidable and inevitable. At times or danger or emergency, Tactical Alert Force officers are expected to rise to the occasion and meet the challenge to the best of their abilities, within the limits of their qualifications.  This expectation is not a call to suspend good judgement or to override response policies and procedures for the duty assignment… it is a reinforcement of the first priority of a Tactical Alert Force officer; to do whatever is lawful and most likely to produce the best outcome for the safety of the officer, client, and others effected by the incident. Tactical Alert Force officers have a duty to minimize risk for everyone within their scope of influence, but also to be brave and take action when needed.

– Continuity Of Duty – Our clients rely upon our officers to give uninterrupted protective coverage for the full extent of the time period they have engaged. Officers are expected to remain on post at their duty assignment until:

– They are properly relieved,

– The end of the coverage period has been reached, or:

– Until they are no longer fit to continue duty.

On occasion, the client’s coverage needs may continue beyond the scheduled end time. On rare occasion, a relieving officer may be delayed or unfit for duty. In every instance, it is part of a officer’s job to continue on duty as previously stated.  In any event when a officer feels that the officer’s limit of fitness for duty is being reached, either during or beyond the officer’s scheduled end of duty, the officer must notify Tactical Alert Force immediately, to allow for dispatch of a relief officer.

– Duty of Client Satisfaction – As the sum total of duty performance, the client must be satisfied with the performance of the officer in serving all lawful, reasonable and contracted expectations of Tactical Alert Force. Failure of an officer to meet all of the previously cited elements of duty performance or to successfully correct or resolve any reasonable client complaint is cause for, at a minimum, removal from a duty assignment. In such a case, if there is no alternative duty assignment available for which the officer is qualified and suited, the officer may be furloughed (temporarily laid off without pay).  

– Dereliction of Duty – Apart from any level of client satisfaction, every officer owes faithful and conscientious duty performance to Tactical Alert Force in accordance with the officer’s basic duties of loyalty and honesty in service to an employer.  Every officer also owes it to himself or herself (as a matter of professional and personal pride), and to those who look upon the officer for protection and service, to deliver a best effort in every duty performance.  Any dereliction in this duty or gross misconduct on duty may be cause for disciplinary action, including oral or written reprimand, suspension without pay, termination of employment with Tactical Alert Force, reporting to regulatory authorities and/or law enforcement, as well as civil or criminal prosecution, as may be appropriate and applicable. Tactical Alert Force takes duty seriously.

2.0 – TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

2.1 – Occupational Hazards – All personnel employed as officers assume all risks of occupational hazards that are associated with protective, investigative and/or specified support services.  Proper performance of these duties usually means that they are carried out safely.  However, officers may nonetheless suffer  personal injury or death, resulting from accidents or intentional harm directed against them.  Such acts of intentional harm may result from duty-related confrontations, mere performance of an officer’s duties, or attacks directed against officers in general, at random and without provocation.  Employed officers and employment candidates are encouraged to obtain further information about all relevant occupational hazards from Federal and State Occupational Health & Safety Administration sources before accepting employment.

2.2 – Employment at Will – All employment with Tactical Alert Force is “at will” employment.  As such, employment may be terminated by either Tactical Alert Force or the employee at any time, with or without cause and with or without notice.  However, failure of any resigning Tactical Alert Force employee to provide notice of the employee’s intention to resign a minimum of 2 full weeks in advance of the employee’s last day of service may be disclosed to anyone making inquiries of Tactical Alert Force regarding the employee’s work history or performance.

2.3 – Employment Verification – Tactical Alert Force may disclose employment verification information regarding current or former employees in response to outside inquiries at its discretion.  This information will normally include verification and/or disclosure of dates of hiring and/or termination, position(s) held, duty assignments, duty performance, wage rates, past, present or projected earnings and the current standing and anticipated retention of the employee.

2.4 – Availability of Work and/or Duty Assignments – Due to the dynamic nature of our clients’ service requirements and the ongoing challenges of maintaining duty coverage, Tactical Alert Force cannot guarantee any specific duty assignment or quantity of work to any officer.  Consequently, all officers are classified as part-time, as-needed personnel, even though they may have regular and full duty schedules, including overtime.

2.5 – Compensation – Due to the dynamic nature of our clients’ service requirements and the ongoing challenges of maintaining duty coverage, all Tactical Alert Force officers are classified as hourly personnel.  Compensation is paid only for hours worked, thus no paid vacation, holidays or other unpaid time off is offered.  

Conversely, it is the policy of Tactical Alert Force to always include its officers in a share of any payments received for minimum hours for a duty shift, flat fees per service provided, differential payments for services provided during off-shifts, holidays or special duties, or any other form of premium revenue received by Tactical Alert Force on the basis of work performed by its officers.

Compensation for Tactical Alert Force officers consists of a base hourly wage, an additional amount per hour as an allowance for training, equipment, supply and uniform maintenance expenses borne by the officer, plus a share of any premium revenue received for their work.  Officers may also be awarded a discretionary bonus, based upon attendance, punctuality, appearance, performance, and adherence to Tactical Alert Force policies, procedures and supervisory direction.

The awarding and amount of such bonus compensation is at the sole discretion of the State-licensed Qualified Manager of Tactical Alert Force.  The amounts of the base hourly wage and any discretionary bonuses are established at levels that are intended to span the difference between a market average wage and well-above-average compensation for each officer’s skill and experience level.  It is an objective of   Tactical Alert Force to consistently compensate its officers at the higher end of their potential total compensation by employing only high-performing officers who will strive to be worthy of discretionary bonus pay in every hour that they work.

For purposes of payroll calculations, Tactical Alert Force defines each workday as beginning at midnight (0000 hours) and ending at midnight (2400 hours) and each workweek as beginning on Sunday at 0000 hours and ending on Saturday at 2400 hours.  At the discretion of the California-licensed Qualified Manager/Owner of the agency, overtime may be paid for shift durations in excess of 8 hours, even when the overtime hours do not fall on the same workday, such as when the duration of the shift extends beyond midnight and the hours technically occur on two separate workdays.  In any event, all applicable labor regulatory minimum requirements for payment of overtime or doubletime will be met.

Pay periods for Tactical Alert Force employees are defined as semi-monthly, with the first semi-monthly pay period based upon work performed beginning at midnight (0000 hours) on the 1st of each month and ending at midnight (2400 hours) on the 15th of each month.  The second semi-monthly pay period is based upon work performed beginning at midnight (0000 hours) on the 16st of each month and ending at midnight (2400 hours) on the last day of each month.

The designated official pay date for the first pay period of each month is the 25th of the same month.  The designated official pay date for the second pay period of each month is the 10th of the next month.  At the discretion of the California-licensed Qualified Manager/Owner of the agency, paychecks may be issued earlier than the designated official pay dates.

2.6 – Discounted Purchases, Tips, Gratuities, Bounties and Rewards – Officers are not permitted to pursue, request or accept any discount on purchases, monetary tip or gratuity, gift certificate or any other gift of value in excess of $25.00 from persons they encounter as a consequence of their duties, who are otherwise unknown to the officer.  To do so presents the appearance of unprofessional conduct and poses the potential of an actual conflict of interest.  The following exceptions are permitted:

– Officers may accept a non-monetary gift or gift certificate of a value not in excess of $25.00 from such persons as a means of being gracious to those who wish to provide a small token of their appreciation.

– Officers may accept any type of discount or gift, of any value, that is available to the general public and does not pose a conflict of interest with duty.

– Officers may accept any type of discount or gift, of any value, from a client organization or supervising client manager as a token of appreciation for services rendered within the scope of course of officers’ duties, so long as it does not pose a conflict of interest with duty.

– Officers may accept any pre-existing bounty or pre-posted reward for which they become eligible through performance of their duties.  In cases of extraordinary service above and beyond the call of duty, the Tactical Alert Force State-Qualified Manager has the sole discretion to authorize officers to accept rewards offered during or after the action(s) of the officer being rewarded.

Officers must report the acceptance of any form of gift listed in this section to their Tactical Alert Force supervisor as soon as possible afterward, and in no case more than 24 hours after acceptance.  In any case, it is the duty and responsibility of every officer to ensure that the authorized acceptance of any gift, in any form, is carried out humbly, in a dignified and professional manner, and with all due caution.  Officers must always consider the possibility that a gift of any item to be consumed, used or possessed by an officer may be contaminated, booby-trapped or sabotaged with the objective of harming the officer, the officer’s loved ones or the people and/or assets under the officer’s protection.  Officers must also always consider the possibility that a gift may contain a covert tracking or surveillance capability for the same detrimental objectives.

Any form of gift listed in this section that is presented to Tactical Alert Force in response to the services and/or acts of its officers, will be delivered in full to the officer(s) who actually performed the services and/or acts, except for deduction of any taxes, fees or other collections required by law.

2.7 – Work Breaks and Meal Periods – Officers are entitled to work breaks and meal periods in accordance with all current provisions of applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations.  Due to the life/safety nature and typical single-officer staffing levels of duty assignments, all Tactical Alert Force duty assignments are designated as “on duty” work break and meal period assignments unless otherwise specified.  As such, officers are not relieved of all duties during breaks and meals, and consequently are paid through these periods as with any regular work time.  Officers must also maintain compliance with Tactical Alert Force policies and procedures during breaks and meals.

For their own safety as well as the safety of all others present, officers must avoid taking a break or meal if at all possible during any time when suspicious activity is being monitored or an incident is in progress.  For the same reasons, officers on breaks or meals must remain as alert as reasonably possible to the approach or arrival of potential threats, and assess and/or respond to such threats or actual incidents as appropriate.  Time the officer spends on such duties does not count  against the time allotted for breaks and meals.

Consequently, during breaks and meals, officers may attend to their personal needs, but may not leave the immediate vicinity of their duty assignment, wear headphones, sleep, or engage in any activity that would similarly impair their ability to see, hear, smell and respond to an incident in progress on site.  Except in the event of injury or illness (or as may be necessary to use rest room facilities or adjust clothing or equipment), officers may not remove their uniforms or duty equipment, or otherwise reduce their readiness for emergency response while on duty, including work breaks and meal periods.

2.8 – Illness, Injury or Personal Emergency – In the event an officer on duty is affected by any of these occurrences, the officer should notify a Tactical Alert Force supervisor immediately.  If the officer is so affected as to be clearly unfit or unable to continue duty, the officer will be released from duty.  However, if at all possible, the officer should remain on duty until a replacement officer arrives on site.  None of these provisions are to be construed in any manner that would delay or deny an officer necessary emergency medical care or transportation to a medical care facility.

2.9 – Duty Wear – Tactical Alert Force will provide each officer with a sufficient quantity of uniform shirts and trousers, T-shirts, trouser belts, blousing bands, hats and jackets as may be needed for duty assignments.  Officers who already own any of these items and wish to use their own items instead of being issued like items may do so, with specific approval of Tactical Alert Force.

Officers are responsible for proper use and care of uniform items issued by Tactical Alert Force.  All such items may be used only in connection with Tactical Alert Force duties.  Officers must follow label instructions or other directions provided for use and care of uniform items, and are financially responsible for loss or damage of such items due to neglect, misuse or failure to return them to Tactical Alert Force upon demand. Tactical Alert Force uniforms usually appear fit for duty as wash and wear items, (if the care instructions are followed), but may require a light press after washing, which is an officer responsibility.

For any plainclothes duty assignments, Tactical Alert Force officers are required to provide all of their own attire, in the style desired by client.  In some instances, the client or Tactical Alert Force may provide appropriate attire, but are not obligated to do so. Officers lacking appropriate attire for a duty assignment may be ineligible for assignment to that particular duty.

2.10 – Officer Preparedness – It is the responsibility of each officer to be mentally, physically and tactically prepared for each duty assignment, including knowledge of all applicable laws, policies and procedures, readiness of personally-owned duty equipment, familiarity with his or her surroundings, and full appreciation of potential risks.  The responsibilities of a Tactical Alert Force officer are important, not easy.

2.11 – Personal Motor Vehicles – Tactical Alert Force usually does not require or permit any officer to make use of the officer’s personal motor vehicle while on duty, except as an improvised field office for completion of paperwork or as a place to take a break from duty.  Unless specifically authorized by Tactical Alert Force, any other usage of the officer’s personal motor vehicle or any other vehicle not owned or operated by Tactical Alert Force, is not covered by Tactical Alert Force insurance, and is strictly prohibited.  Any officer violating this policy, regardless of the reason, does so exclusively at the officer’s own risk for liabilities of any type arising from the action.

2.12 – Body Armor – Tactical Alert Force wants its officers on duty, clients being served and the public around them to be as safe as possible.  The use of body armor is not automatically helpful in meeting this objective.  Instead, Tactical Alert Force is concerned with appropriate use of body armor.

As a universal rule, Tactical Alert Force neither endorses nor condemns the use of body armor.  Tactical Alert Force usually permits each officer to make an individual decision as to wear body armor or not, and what type.  To this end, officers must consider the varied characteristics of different types of armor, the specific working conditions and duties of their duty assignment, their personal physical tolerances and risk concerns.

The decision to wear or not wear armor, and of what type or protective level, is subject to a number of factors for consideration:

– What is the relative risk of exposure to gunfire or shrapnel on this duty assignment?

– Is there a tactical benefit to wearing either external armor (possible deterrent effect) or concealed armor (possibility that assailants will waste time unknowingly firing at protected areas)?

– In a particular plainclothes assignment, is the use of armor precluded because it would give away the presence of an officer?

– Will the officer be in sun, heat or performing physically exerting tasks?

– Will the armor be so hot, so heavy, so chafing or so restrictive of motion as to interfere with duties or pose a new risk, such as drowning?

– Will the officer comfort level resulting from wearing the armor create risk of distraction, heat injuries, skin conditions or excessive perspiration/odor?

– Would external armor be a better choice than concealed armor?

– Is there likely to be a chance to don external armor when most needed instead of wearing it all the time?

When the deficits outweigh the benefits, armor should not be worn, or a better suited type of armor should be employed.  When the benefits outweigh the deficits, the type of armor being considered should be worn.

In any event, there are four things that must always be remembered:

– Both body armor coverage and ballistic ratings are limited, thus no type of armor is a guarantee of personal safety… it does not make you bulletproof!

– Vigilance, tactics, cool heads and common sense save more lives than armor.

– Tactical Alert Force reserves to right to require or prohibit wearing one or another type of armor for an officer to be eligible for certain duty assignments.

– The client has the last word.  If the client thinks a particular style of armor (or any at all) is undesirable or perhaps mandatory in the client’s environment, then the client’s wishes must be respected.  If the officer feels that the resultant personal risk or discomfort is too great, the officer must decline the assignment.

When the use of body armor is opted for or required:

    – All armor used on duty must be commercially-manufactured law enforcement, EMS or military types, usually with armor panels designed for bullet resistance.

– Armor that is only fragmentation-resistant may be worn by itself or in conjunction with bullet-resistant armor (to protect against missiles resulting from an explosion), but only after inspection and approval of the armor by a Tactical

       Alert Force supervisor, and completion of a release form signed by the officer stating that the officer has been advised that the fragmentation armor is not rated for bullet resistance at any officially-recognized level.

– Officers may wear their own soft body armor under their uniform at their own expense, provided the armor is clean, odor-free, in good repair and does not interfere with proper fit of uniform or duty equipment.  Officers wishing to do so should bring the armor in for inspection at the time of uniform issue, and wear it during uniform trial fitting.

– Officers may wear their own external body armor over their uniform at their own expense, provided the armor is clean, odor-free, in good repair and does not interfere with proper fit of uniform or duty equipment.  Any such external armor carriers must be black in color, have a good appearance, and have Tactical  

       Alert Force emblems applied to replace any Tactical Alert Force emblem covered by the carrier.  Hook and pile (such as Velcro) attachment of emblems is permissible for this purpose.  Officers wishing to wear their own external body armor should bring the armor in for inspection at the time of uniform issue and wear it during uniform trial fitting.

– Tactical Alert Force may keep external soft body armor vests in common sizes on hand at some duty assignments for on-duty officer use.  In such instances, officers on duty may wear a vest at their option, throughout their duty shift or any time increased danger is perceived, but the vest is to be returned to its proper place at the end of the duty shift or passed on to a relieving officer.

2.13 – Compliance – Failure of any Tactical Alert Force officer employee to comply with any provision of this agreement may result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment with the agency, and may also result in civil or criminal prosecution, as may be appropriate under the circumstances.

2.14 – Amendments – Tactical Alert Force reserves the right to add to, modify, or take away from  the provisions of this agreement at any time.  Employees will not be subject to the terms of any such change(s)s to this agreement until they are notified of the change(s).

I have read, understood and/or asked and received explanatory answers for this entire agreement and will comply with its provisions.

 

 

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Printed Name / Signature of Employee or Candidate                       Date of Signing